Davis siblings transfer from Alleman to Annawan

Thursday

Dec 13, 2012 at 6:35 PMDec 13, 2012 at 6:37 PM

Siblings started classes Wednesday at Annawan High School

Mike Landis

A trio of basketball-playing siblings are taking their talents to Annawan.The Davis siblings — junior twin sisters Cierra and Dominique, and sophomore brother Jalen — have transferred from Alleman and their family has established residency in the Annawan School District.“They started classes Wednesday” said Annawan superintendent and principal Joe Buresh via e-mail Thursday morning.Cierra Davis played for Alleman’s varsity her freshman and sophomore seasons, and was a first team All-Western Big 6 selection last season. She’s suffered two ACL tears within the last year — the first coming just prior to regionals last season and the latter in September.“Cierra tore her ACL before the season so she was unable to participate, but if she were released later in the season — which was optimistic — she would have played,” said Alleman athletic director Steve Smithers by e-mail Wednesday night. “Jalen was on the sophomore boys team, having played at Alleman High School for two years,” added Smithers, “and Dominique was currently playing varsity up through the game at Riverdale Monday night.”Smithers said the Davis family notified Alleman High School Tuesday morning of its intent to transfer.“Our administration worked with them to make sure their academic status would not be negatively affected by any transfer,” said Smithers. “Yes — it was a surprise, but sometimes families have to do what is best for them. We wish them well.”The next question for the Davis siblings is their eligibility at Annawan.Cierra has not played or practiced with Alleman this season due to her second ACL tear, while Dominique and Jalen both competed for the Pioneers.Buresh said an eligibility inquiry has been made to the IHSA, and he’s awaiting that response.The Davis twins will be joining a Bravettes squad that advanced to the Class 1A Elite Eight last season, and is currently 8-0 and ranked No. 2 in the preseason Associated Press poll.According to a story published in The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus, the arrival of Cierra Davis in Annawan reunites her with AAU teammates Celina VanHyfte and Maddie Jackson.Davis, VanHyfte and Jackson played for the Quad City Attack last summer.